Oscillating Drive Resonance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillating conveyor systems face challenges in achieving optimal operation due to their design being limited to a narrow payload range, requiring time-consuming and costly calibration to set the natural frequency close to the resonance frequency, and inefficiencies in adapting to varying masses and loads.

Innovation Solution

The oscillating drive employs a method where the drive voltage is symmetric around zero, with a derivative of zero at the zero line to avoid harmonics, and the amplitude of the electromagnet relative to the armature is monitored and regulated using a sensor, allowing for optimal operation across a wide range of loads. The spring strength can be varied, and the drive frequency is adjusted during calibration to match the natural frequency of the system, ensuring efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the vibratory drive is designed for a narrow payload range and calibrated on-site, then the natural frequency can be adjusted to match the resonant frequency, but this requires time-consuming calibration and expertise, and does not allow for optimal operation across varying payloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural frequency adjustmentVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the spring stiffness adjustable after manufacturing. The spring can be replaced or its stiffness modified to adapt to different payload ranges, allowing the natural frequency to be optimized for each application without time-consuming on-site calibration. This transforms a static spring constant into a dynamically adjustable parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of spring stiffness to adjust the natural frequency of the vibratory system. By selecting appropriate spring constants for different payload ranges, the system achieves optimal resonant operation without requiring calibration procedures. This parameter change approach eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the drive frequency is fixed by mains frequency, then the system is simple to operate, but the natural frequency of the vibratory system cannot be optimized to match the resonant frequency for different payloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a frequency converter that dynamically adjusts the drive frequency to match the natural frequency of the vibratory system for different payload conditions. This dynamic frequency adjustment maintains operational simplicity while achieving optimal efficiency by eliminating the conflict between fixed mains frequency and variable resonant requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct connection to fixed mains frequency with an electronically controlled frequency converter. This substitution allows the drive frequency to be dynamically adapted to match the resonant frequency of the mechanical vibratory system, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity through optimized resonant operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If weights are added or removed from the counter-vibrating mass to adjust natural frequency, then the frequency can be adapted to different payloads, but this is only possible within narrow limits and requires time and expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload range adaptationVSAvoidmass adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spring stiffness parameter instead of adjusting masses to adapt the natural frequency to different payloads. This approach provides a simpler and more versatile method for frequency adjustment, as spring stiffness can be modified or replaced more easily than adding or removing counterweights, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the vibratory conveying device operates away from resonant frequency, then the system is more stable, but efficiency is reduced and optimal operation cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic frequency adjustment through a frequency converter to maintain operation at the resonant frequency despite varying payloads. This dynamic adaptation ensures both stability and optimal efficiency by continuously matching the drive frequency to the system's natural frequency, eliminating the need to operate away from resonance for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in a significant increase in efficiency, potentially up to 40% higher, and allows the oscillating drive to operate effectively across a wide range of useful weights without the need for on-site calibration, ensuring robust and cost-effective operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet (4) and an armature (5), which are coupled to each other via a spring (6) and can be set into vibration relative to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet (4) and an armature (5), which are coupled to each other via a spring (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

with a sensor, in particular with an inductive displacement transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2149194B1Oscillating drive
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 JOST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2149194B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2149194B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2149194B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are an oscillating drive for an oscillating conveying device and a method for operating said oscillating drive. In order to make said oscillating drive easy to handle and be able to universally use the same, the driving frequency at which the electromagnet is operated is reset each time the oscillating drive is switched on, and the oscillation amplitude of the electromagnet relative to the armature is continuously detected and is regulated by varying the effective voltage after setting the driving frequency.